As doubts continue growing about President Abraham Lincoln’s reelection chances, Lincoln asks his cabinet members to endorse a confidential memo acknowledging that he would probably not win the upcoming presidential election.
Tag: Radical Republicans
The Wade-Davis Manifesto
Two members of the U.S. Congress bitterly denounce President Abraham Lincoln’s veto of a bill designed to give Congress the authority to impose a harsh reconstruction program on the Confederate states. This exacerbates the internal conflict within the Republican Party during an election year.
The Wade-Davis Bill: Executive Response
Abraham Lincoln is presented with a bill outlining the congressional plan to readmitting the Confederate states to the Union. His decision whether to approve this bill outrages many within his own party.
The Wade-Davis Bill: Congressional Reconstruction
The U.S. Congress passes a bill intended to supersede Abraham Lincoln’s lenient plan for readmitting Confederate states to the Union. This mandates a much more punitive process of readmission, but it will require Lincoln’s approval to become law.
The Radical Republican Convention
Disgruntled Republicans gather in Cleveland, Ohio, to nominate a presidential candidate that could defeat Abraham Lincoln in the upcoming election. But the convention proves less successful than many had hoped.
Meade v. Historicus
George G. Meade, commanding the Federal Army of the Potomac, is summoned to Washington to testify before Congress. He directly addresses allegations that he had planned to retreat at the Battle of Gettysburg and tries to address personal attacks on his leadership.